VisitScotland: Top 5 Things To Do In Scotland In The Spring

We didn’t really expect to be enjoying our Easter eggs while it was still snowing outside, but it seems to have been the case across much of Britain this year.
But thankfully now the clocks have been put forward we’re well on our way to the warmer weather, and we’ve got lots of spring activities to inspire you in Scotland.
We’re known for our scrumptious food and drink as well as stunning wildlife, history and events, so we’ve put together a few top tips for getting the most out of your springtime break.

The Old Man of Hoy Orkney

Seaweed eating sheep

April Fools have come and gone so no, it’s not a joke. One of the most popular delicacies native to Orkney is the tender North Ronaldsay lamb. As the sheep feed almost entirely on a diet of seaweed they’ve got a really unique taste which is sought after across the world. But to get the best of that full flavour, you have to sample it right where it’s produced. Find out more about Scottish food and drink.

Good for Foodies: Why not try the the Caledonian Waldorf Astoria; recently rebranded as a Waldorf Astoria after a £24 million refurbishment. This is now Edinburgh’s most luxurious 5* hotel and ideal to begin your gastronomic journey.

Caper-watch

It may be the world’s largest grouse, but the capercaillie is also one our most endangered birds. The Loch Garten Ospey Centre in the Highlands is the place to get close to these impressive birds this spring. With the help of CCTV, Caper-watch follows the capercaillies as the males try to woo the females of the species during the mating season. It’s definitely worth the early rise to catch this and runs until 17 May. Check out more great activities in the Cairngorms National Park.

CRAIGIEVAR CASTLE

Follow the castle trail

Scotland is steeped in history, and our castles are an important part of this. It’s always fun to wander round these extraordinary buildings and soak up their history. Okay, so it’s unlikely we’ll ever actually be able to live in a castle ourselves, but why not imagine yourself as king of the castle? Check out our Castle Trail in Aberdeenshire which features 17 castles, from the cliff top ruins of Dunnottar to Craigivar, the inspiration for Walt Disney’s castle.

Spring Fling

Known as a creative hub, Dumfries & Galloway is the place to be for inspirational arts and crafts. Every year, artists and craftspeople join forces to share their work and expertise with the public and show them around their studios. Spring Fling 2013 lets you peek behind-the-scenes and see the work in progress of wonderful art works. Don’t miss the busy programme of events between 25 – 27 May.

Vikings! An Untold Story

We’ve got a bit of a coup for you. The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is the only UK venue for this fascinating exhibition which runs until 12 May. With objects rarely seen outside Scandinavia on display, it charts the Vikings’ life over 1,000 years ago.

Hotels within a heartbeat of history: Looking for somewhere to stay near the National Museum, here are a couple of crackers. Hotel Missoni is Edinburgh’s coolest 5* hotel and is handily located by the Royal Mile; right in the centre of the Old Town. For our next suggestion you don’t even need to go far at all for a slice of historical life. The Ten Hill Place Hotel is unique, in that it has its own anatomy and physiology museum attached to the hotel.